Can Florida State repeat as national champions in 2014?

Florida State ran the table in the ACC in 2013, cruising to the national title game where the Seminoles displayed an ability to flourish under pressure in a 34-31 comeback win over Auburn. With its 2013 successes just a couple weeks behind us, it's naturally time to start speculating with an eye on 2014 and whether or not FSU stands a chance to repeat as champions.

Two of the key components to FSU's perfect 2013 season will return to the fold. Head coach Jimbo Fisher signed a five-year contract that will pay him $4.1 million per season, and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston will return as the Seminoles' presence under center. As with most top programs, FSU will see a boatload of talent heading out the door for the NFL. Let's take a look at how the Seminoles could look in 2014.

Perhaps the most important piece of the offense remains, but Winston will see much turnover in his toolbox. Winston's receiving corp will likely have a new look, and running backs James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman will both enter May's NFL draft. It's possible that FSU's top-four pass catchers, WRs Kelvin Benjamin, Kenny Shaw, Rashad Green, and TE Nick O'Leary could all be gone in 2014. That's 217 receptions, 3,629 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns that could all say goodbye to the program. The Seminoles top receiver, after the aforementioned group of four, was Freeman. Junior Christian Green, who caught 13 passes for 157 yards in 2013 could be asked to take on a significant role. 

The losses in the backfield are moderately palatable considering that talent returnees Ryan Green, Mario Pender, and possibly Karlos Williams represent. Incoming RB Dalvin Cook rushed for 1,940 yards and 34 touchdowns with Miami Central High School this past season, and could figure into the offense right away. FSU will return five senior starters on its offensive line for 2014, thus an explosive backfield seems to be in order once again. 

Perhaps FSU's biggest loss will come on the defensive line, where junior Timmy Jernigan (63 total tackles) and seniors Demonte McAllister (22) and Jacobbi McDaniel (29) are all leaving for the NFL. Jernigan's impact is irreplaceable, although Mario Edwards Jr. appears to be a star in the making. The sophomore had six tackles, three for loss, and a sack in the national title game. Sophomores Eddie Goldman and Nile Lawrence-Stample will also be back for 2014. 

Elsewhere on defense, Lamarcus Joyner, one of the best defensive backs in the country, is gone. So too is Terrance Brooks. Those are both major losses, but the duo of Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams returning at cornerback should ease the pain. Joyner and Brooks accounted for four interceptions, nine passes defended, and five forced fumbles last season. Darby and Williams, who paired up for five interceptions and 11 passes defended will keep opposing offenses weary of going deep. 

Linebacker presents a bit of mystery for 2014. Seniors Christian Jones and Telvin Smith are leaving, and Auburn exposed FSU's linebackers as a potential weakness for most of the national title game. The Seminoles fourth ranked recruiting class (according to 247Sports composite rankings) boasts a plethora of linebackers, some of whom could be asked to fill the void right away. Returnees Chris Casher, Ukeme Eligwe, E.J. Levenberry, and Reggie Northrup will all battle for starting jobs. 

Aside from personnel changes, the biggest factor in FSU's repeat chances is its schedule. The Seminoles will see an uptick in the talent level of its non-conference opponents next season. FSU opens its season versus Oklahoma State, before meeting FCS opponent Citadel in week two, Notre Dame in October, and rivalry opponent Florida to close out the regular season. FSU will also meet new ACC foe Louisville on the road in 2014. There's no question that the 2014 schedule is tougher, but the Seminoles should be favored throughout the course of the season.

There's one more major change, albeit one completely out of FSU's control, that will affect its national title hopes in a positive way for 2014. The BCS is dead, thus the Seminoles need only to finish the season ranked among the top-four teams to earn a shot at a repeat. The College Football Playoff will allow for some wiggle room if the Seminoles drop a game. FSU will enter 2014 as the No. 1 team in the country, and the new playoff format will still give the Seminoles a chance to control its own destiny if there's a slip-up en route. 

With its head coach, Heisman winning QB, and great offensive line returning, and a wealth of talent across the board, Florida State stands a realistic chance at making a second consecutive title run.